The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1887-07-21
NATHANIEL MACON.
A Consistent, just, but Almost Forgot
ten Public Man.
Especial Correspondence

A Consistent, just, but Almost Forgot
ten Public Man.
Especial Correspondence
CHAMPAIGN, Ills, July 12.-In the year
1928 Nathaniel Macon attained the age of
three score and ten, the limit Of manly life
the psalmist tells us. At this date Macon was
| Just in the middle of the third senatorial
term conferred upon him by the North Caro-
lima legislature, but having long before made
a resolution to retire from public life at tho
age of 20, he very promptly resigned his seat.
To those who urged him to remain till the
end of his term, and insisted that his mind
was as good as ever he replied that his mind
was good enough to let him know that he
must quit Office before his mental powers quit
| him.
When American independence was de-
clared Macon was IS years of age and
student at Princeton college. At this time
body of American troops was doing duty on
the Delaware, and Macon Joined this force,
did duty with it for a season, but ultimately
resumed his studies at Princeton.
In ITS the southern states were overrun
by the British armies. In this emergency
"
military company from his native county
and went to South Carolina, then a most
active theatre of war. He bore his full share
in all the hardships encountered by the south
ern army, was at the fall of Fort Moultrie,
the surrender Of Charleston and the disas-
trous defeat at Camden under the unfortunate
Gen. Gates. He was with the army in its re-
treat toward the farther borders of North
| IL lofk
bank of the Yalkin river when the sudden
| flooding of that stream in the brief interval
between the crossing of the Americans and
appearance of the British arrested the pur-
suit of CORVALLIS and thus gave much needed
rest to Green's men.
| While in camp here, with only restitution
and want in the way Of immediate surround
ings, Macon received word through the gov
ernor of North Carolina that he had been
chosen from his native county to q seat in the
general assembly then about to convene
Macon however, refused to attend and this
refusal was at once the talk of the camp and
very naturally reached Gen. Greene's ears.
That officer al once sent for Macon and in
quired why he had declined TO serve his county
in the gepernl assembly. Macon answered that
so far hehad seen only the faces of the enemy,
but preferred TO remain in the army till their
backs could be seen.
Gen. Greene was very favorably impressed
with Macon and at once sought to convince
him that it was his duty to attend the general
assembly when his familiarity with the desti-
tuition and needs of the army would be Of the
greatest service in getting supplies Of all
kinds Macon saw the force of Greenes ar
gument and promptly set Off to attend the
session of the general assembly.
In this body his representations of the con-
dition of the American army in the south had
much influence in securing for Greene's suf-
fering army the re-enforcements and supplies
with which little later it was enabled to
win from CORVALLIS the victory of Guilford
Court House.
Macon closed his military career when he
left Greene's army in North Carolina He had
served in all three years, oil this time in the
ranks, as he declined promotion Neither
would he take compensation for his services.
And in after years, when the Revolutionary
veterans were loaded with pensions, bounties
and land warrants Macon uniformly refused
all such emoluments
He was in public life about forty years,
and In addition to long service in the North
Carolina legislature, served as representative
n congress during the administrations OF
Washington, John Adams, jefferson and
part of Madjsons term. While Madison was
yet I'm the executive chair Macon was trans
ferred to the senate, where he remained dur.
ing Monroe's incumbency and well on to-
ward the close Of John Quincy Adams term
Of cfice-serving in all fifteen years.
While in the house of representatives
Macon was for many years its speaker. But
every place no reached was gained through
the suffrages of the people or their immediate
representatives. He declined the place Of post
master general under jefferson, but cheer
fully accepted the position of justice of the
peace to which the people of his native
county elected him.
At another period in bis life he refused to
become a candidate for vice president, but in
1895 took the place Of presidential elector on
the Van Buren ticket
Politically he was opposed to Alexander
Hamilton. but recognizing the honesty, pa.
!riotism and ability Of the great Federal
eader, uniformly refused TO sanction or take
part in any personal attack on him.
Throughout life he was opposed to going
mothers security, believing that each indi-
vidual should bear the iii results Of his own
dealings, as well as reap the rewards OF more
fortunate ventures. In his will he provided
that an intimate and valued friend should be-
come his executor, but, while trusted with the
largest discretionary powers, be should be &C
.ountable TO no court for the manner In
which the trust was discharged, as the mans
honor was deemed sufficient guarantee
He dressed neatly and always had bis
clothes made Of navy blre cloth Of the finest
quality. Before one suit began to look worn
Il was replaced by another Of exactly the
'ame quality and precisely similar pattern
the latter the style worn during the revo.
utonary period. After resigning from the
,enate Macon passed nine years Of serene con.
.entment, enjoying TO the full the sweets Of
domestic peace at his home in North Carolina.
i q. B. Johnson. /,